The unacceptably high rate of male suicide in Australia will be one of the key issues discussed at a national men’s health conference to be held in Sydney in three weeks time.

With male suicide now claiming six lives a day and costing the economy an estimated $13.75B a year, some of the country’s leading voices in the fight against suicide will come together to discuss what action we can take to prevent male suicide in Australia.

Does men’s health policy deserve our special attention? Despite poorer health outcomes and lower health service engagement there are few specific initiatives focusing on men’s health. Why do men not access healthcare more regularly and should health services do more to improve the engagement of men? Alternatively, why is there a need to focus on men’s health policy separately when the health care system cares predominately for male focussed diseases and chronic conditions?

Men's Health Week 2014 runs from June 9th to 15th. This year's theme is Celebrating Your AchieveMENts - celebrating the great things our boys and our blokes bring to our lives! Through the different parts of our lives, men and boys are celebrating their everyday achievements and getting healthy in the process...

There are currently 111 events planned for this year's MHW, and more are being registered every day. Check out the official website for more details, and while you're there, take the time to order your free posters and fliers.

The Men’s Health Forum NSW Inc. invites you to attend the first NSW Men’s Health & Wellbeing Conference to work with us to shape solutions that will improve health, wellbeing and relationships for men and boys in New South Wales.

The Hon Barry O'Farrell MP, Premier of NSW and Minister for Western Sydney will officially open the Conference on May 1.